Book Giveaway & Author Interview: An ABC Escapade Through Egypt by Bernadette Simpson

Welcome to Author Bernadette Simpson

Bernadette

curious, quiet, creative, and considerate

wife of Nadim

lover of wacky words, cuddly cats, and flavorful food

who feels excited when she travels, playful when swimming in the sea, and annoyed when people litter

who needs access to a library, a solar-energized house, and more practice speaking Arabic

who fears twisting her ankle while hiking, losing her Internet access, and strong currents when snorkeling

who gives confidence to students, cookies and cakes to friends, and water to her desert garden

who would like to see her family, more books about modern Egypt, and southern India

resident of Dahab, South Sinai

Simpson

Interview:

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Well, I don't know if this is usually considered a “superpower”, but I would choose to be able to understand and speak all of the world's languages! I would love to be able to communicate with the people I meet as I travel.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Baskin-Robbins' Pralines n' cream

Night owl, or early bird?
Early bird...I'm up with the sun!

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
Currently, I'm working on An ABC Safari through Sinai. The book follows the same alliterative alphabetical format as the first, but is focused on the nature, geography, and Bedouin culture of the Sinai peninsula, which even though it is part of Egypt, is quite unique!

I'm also writing and illustrating little story books in both English and Egyptian Arabic, under my local name - Habiba. I've completed two so far (Habiba Draws Dahab and Yum, Yum!) and hope to add more to the collection. I released these books (eBooks and printable versions) under a Creative Commons license which makes them free for everyone to download, print, and read! http://www.bernadettesimpson.com/habiba.html

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
My students. And the lack of literature about modern Egypt. I wanted to be able to teach reading to my Egyptian students using books that had familiar content. I tried my hand at writing fiction initially, but discovered my true passion was nonfiction! I love learning about other countries and cultures...and I so I hope that my book helps students around the world discover the Egypt of today.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
For awhile I wanted to be a lawyer, but I'm not sure why. I'd be a horrible lawyer! But what I later dreamed of being was a photographer for National Geographic. And while I'll never work for NatGeo, photography is one of my favorite hobbies and I'm continually trying to improve my skills. I took many of the photographs used in An ABC Escapade through Egypt and hope to take more for the second.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?
My favorite author of all time is Kurt Vonnegut. I was introduced to him through his book Cat's Cradle during my sophomore year of high school. I still have that first copy of the book and I've read it over 30 times! Some of my other favorite authors are Amitav Ghosh, Naomi Shihab Nye, Benjamin Zephaniah, and Shel Silverstein.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Follow your dreams.

What was your favorite children's book?
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig and The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

If you were a bird, which one would you be?
A question that, as a bird-lover, I've thought about often! I'd be a seagull because they enjoy both floating lazily on the water and flying and diving from above! They are also very intelligent and curious birds.

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
A large plot of land on which I could grow my own veggie garden and raise my own goats and chickens! And solar panels. Lots of solar panels.

What do you do in your free time?
I love to read, to work in my garden, to snorkel and swim, to hike around the mountains and wadis, to photograph, to write, to blog, and to spend time playing, drawing, and learning with my young Bedouin neighbors.

How would you describe the target audience for your book? Readers, ages 8 – 12, curious about the world around them, particularly other countries – culture, traditions, sports, food, nature, etc. AND elementary and middle school teachers looking for supplemental material when teaching about world cultures or ancient Egypt.

http://www.bernadettesimpson.com/

“Discover some of the many wonders of Egypt on this alphabetical escapade – foods like mangoes and konafa, animals such as foxes and jerboas, and places like the Red Sea and Zamalek. At each letter of the alphabet, stop to explore fun alliterative phrases, colorful photographs, and interesting facts. Read through the letters in order, or flip through the pages until one catches your eye. You may choose to read only the phrases at the top of each page or find out more by reading the detailed paragraphs. You are the captain of this journey so how you travel is up to you!”



Book Giveaway
1 paperback copy & 3 ebooks.
Paperback copy open to US & Canada only
Ebooks open Internationally
Ends 3/23

Optional Extra Entry
+2 Like An ABC Escapade Through Egypt on Facebook

Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante

Welcome to Author Danette Vigilante!

Bio:

Danette Vigilante grew up in a Brooklyn housing project in New York City. She has two children, one husband, a sweet Yorkshire Terrier and a cat with a really bad attitude. THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON is her first novel. Her second is to follow in 2012.

Interview:

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Definitely to the past. I’d love to meet some of my ancestors.

What is one book everyone should read?
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Chocolate. Believe it or not, I’m new to being a lover of chocolate. And, I’ll tell you a secret. Would you believe that I used to think some things were just ‘too chocolaty?’ Yeah, I KNOW!

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
I would have to say, Jesus.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
I get stuck on things. Right now, it’s Special K Strawberry cereal.

Night owl, or early bird?
Early bird.

One food you would never eat?
I’ll name two. Brains & tongue.

Pet Peeves?
When someone knocks something to the floor in a store and leaves it! Ugh!

Skittles or M&Ms?
Skittles!

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
I think you should read my book because it is a story of faith and how one small, brave good deed could be powerful enough to go a long, long way.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
My next book, also middle grade, comes out sometime in 2012. My future goal is simply to keep moving and growing.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Seeing my book on a library shelf!

What is your dream cast for your book?
I don’t have them all picked out but I’d have to grab Whoopi Goldberg for Miss Shirley. She IS Miss Shirley! As for the abusive mom, I’d HAVE to go with Tasha Smith. I’ve seen her in some of Tyler Perry’s movies and I think she’d be perfect (not that she’s mean in real life!).

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
The one that sticks out in my head is Blubber by Judy Blume. I remember not being able to put it down.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Not a particular song but since I wrote the entire draft to TROUBLE while listening to Alicia Keys, I’d have to have her come up with one.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
If you are lucky enough to receive a detailed rejection, study it and learn from it. Then, put what you learned to use and never give up!

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Someplace warm!

What is your favorite Quote?
I actually have two. The first is from Ernest Hemingway: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.” The second is from Will Smith: “The Mastery of Self-Doubt is the Key to Success.”

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?A mom, an archaeologist and a writer.

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
Haven’t heard of any movies yet but I’m looking forward to reading, Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

Nickname?
My mom calls me Nettie.

If you were a super hero what would your kryptonite be?
Pizza!

What do you do in your free time?
Read or write.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Giving it Your All (Except when doing laundry)

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
With family and champagne!

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
Sometimes, when I’m flipping channels, I’ll come across *whispers* Family Guy. Sometimes, I laugh against my will. I love Stewie.

Danette's Blog: http://danettevigilante.blogspot.com/
Danette's Website: http://www.danettevigilante.com/

The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante
Thirteen year old Dellie lives with the guilt that her little brother's death was her fault. Her mother cries all the time and because she wants Dellie to stay safe, she keeps her inside as much as she can. It doesn't matter that Dellie longs to go outside to be like other girls or that there's a boy she likes and he likes her too. All that matters to her mother is that she's safe at home. So, Dellie has no choice but to watch the world of her housing project through her second story window.

Things start to change soon after new neighbors move in on the first floor. Trouble like this has never happened in Dellie's building before. Now there are men fighting on the stoop, gunshots echoing through the night and Corey, a hungry and abused five year old boy knocking on her door looking for something to eat. Corey reminds Dellie of her brother and even though their friendship is dangerous, she wonders if this time, she'll be able to do what needs to be done. Will she be able to save Corey?


Book Giveaway:
1 copy of Trouble with Half a Moon
Open to US only
Ends 3/23

Optional Extra Entry

+2 Follow Danette's Blog: http://danettevigilante.blogspot.com/

Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Must've Done Something Good by Cheryl Cory

Welcome to Author Cheryl Cory!

Biography:

Cheryl Cory lives in Worcester, Massachusetts with her husband Matthew and their cat Betsy. She enjoys reading, cleaning (seriously), and making cookie dough (not to cook, just to eat). She has tried and quickly given up a number of sports including, but not limited to, golf, skiing and snowboarding. Must’ve Done Something Good is Cheryl’s first novel.

Interview:

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
There’s one called Mint Patty Explosion at the ice cream store near us that’s just as good as it sounds! It’s mint frozen yogurt with loads of mini peppermint patties mixed in. It’s my go-to treat on the way home from a nice, long bike ride.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Hmmm…I’m noticing a pattern in the questions I’m getting drawn to here. On weekend mornings, my husband and I like to walk to a diner a little ways from our house. I always get the bacon, egg and cheese on an English muffin and a cranberry juice. I guess I’m a creature of breakfast habit. We usually stop at the coffee shop on the way home and get a white chocolate mocha, hot or iced, depending on the weather. I love the weekends!

Night owl, or early bird?
Is it possible not to be either without seeming completely lazy? I can’t stay up much past 10, but it’s often a losing battle getting myself up before 7. I’m not sure I’ve ever actually hit the limit on my snooze button, but I know I must’ve gotten pretty close a few times.

Pet Peeves?
A few just off the top of my head from my last grocery trip: when a new register opens and they take whoever happened to be wandering by instead of the people who’ve been waiting ten minutes, when every single bag I bring home from the grocery store has a big hole in the bottom so I can’t use them as trash bags, and when I spend minutes on end trying to decode my Enigma-encrypted receipt to make sure I wasn’t overcharged for anything. CPK LMT SPN ARTC and NP ORG SLD 7OZ for lunch—Yum!

Favorite Cartoon?
At this point, it would have to be The Simpsons (yes, still!), but it definitely used to be The Smurfs. Saturday morning nirvana used to be watching The Smurfs with my younger brothers while munching on the Egg McMuffins and hash browns our Mum had just brought back for us from McDonald’s. Wow, this interview is so much cheaper than therapy, yet I’ve already discovered the roots of my unhealthy weekend eating. As a side note, I watched a Smurf episode or two recently, and it just didn’t live up to what I remembered. Also, am I the only one who questions the whole “three apples high” thing?

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
I am a huge Boston Celtics fan! A few years ago, they were calling up constantly, begging us to buy season tickets. Needless to say, that doesn’t happen anymore (since they won the 2008 Championship, their first since 1986). We did make it to the big parade in Boston after their win, though, and saw the team come by in a slew of festive duck boats. Quack, quack, indeed!

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It will make you feel like you’re watching The Smurfs with your family on the couch with an Egg McMuffin in hand on a snowy Saturday morning. (Or substitute your own version of pure happiness).

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
I went through a phase in high school during which I read almost every book ever written by George Orwell. My favorite was Keep the Aspidistra Flying. I suspect I wouldn’t like it quite as much if I were to read it again now, but who knows.

What is your favorite quote?
"The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means."
— Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest)

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Maybe Later: Adventures in Procrastination

What is your guilty pleasure?
Filling up a bowl with peanut butter and Hershey kisses, pouring a big glass of milk and watching back-to-back Monk re-runs while chomping away.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you’d be embarrassed to admit?
I’ll sometimes watch The People’s Court out of the corner of my eye…umm, if there’s nothing else on and I need to pay some bills or something. Haha! Who am I kidding—it’s destination TV!!

Write a haiku about your book.
Finally—a question I can answer without a reference to eating or watching TV! I have to admit, it is somewhat inspired by my fascination with the game of poker.

Turbulent plane ride
Bluffed promise to God—He calls!
Now do something good

Book Summary:
If you love "The Sound of Music" and "Pride and Prejudice," prepare to be enchanted by "Must've Done Something Good!"

Sylvie O'Rourke, "The Sound of Music" devotee and born procrastinator, is about to die. Well, she thinks she is, anyway, and so attempts a last-ditch bargain with God for her life.

"You guys are my witnesses," she tells her sisters somewhere over Connecticut. "If we get out of this plane alive, I promise to do something good with my life."

Back on firm ground, Kate and Meg won't let their sister forget her promise, and with their years of practice hitting just the right chords of guilt ("What kind of person lies to God?" Meg wants to know), Sylvie finally caves.

A teaching position at the broken-down St. Matthew's High School appears to be Sylvie's perfect opportunity to do some good. That is, until she's snubbed by a fellow teacher on the first day of school.

Whether she's becoming a bit too invested in the students' fall fundraiser or directing the school's sure-fire musical disaster, Sylvie's charmingly irreverent style gets her called down to the principal more often than her students. Can Sylvie keep her promise and make it through the year, dignity and sanity intact?

Both the paperback and Kindle editions of Must’ve Done Something Good are available at Amazon. The ebook is also available for Nook at BN.com.

Must’ve Done Something Good is a PG-style romantic comedy for adults and older teens looking for a funny, fast, clean read.



Facebook book page: http://www.facebook.com/MustveDoneSomethingGood
GoodReads book page: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7163489-must-ve-done-something-good

Book Giveaway:
1 copy of Must've Done Something Good by Cheryl Cory
Open Internationally
Ends 3/23

Optional Extra Entries:
+1 Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MustveDoneSomethingGood
+1 Become a fan of Cheryl Cory on GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1318248.Cheryl_Cory
+1 Add Must’ve Done Something Good to GoodReads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7163489-must-ve-done-something-good

Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brien

Welcome to Author Steve O'Brien

Bio:

Steve O'Brien is an award winning author and lawyer. He is an experienced litigator and international businessman who serves as General Counsel for a global consulting company. O'Brien earned his juris doctorate from George Washington University Law School and served on the editorial board of The George Washington International Law Review. O'Brien lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Becky; they have two children.

Interview:

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
I’m a history buff, so I’d go back in time.

What is one book everyone should read?
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller. Great concept, beautifully written and will force the reader to examine his or her own life.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
In the movie Phenomenon, John Travolta was able to speed read through books and remember every detail. I thought that would be pretty cool.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Vanilla—I know, boring.

Night owl, or early bird?
Early bird, definitely.

Skittles or M&Ms?
M&M’s

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I was getting on a plane and noticed a man reading my book. I wanted to run over and hug him, ask him how he liked it, but thought that would be uncool. I watched him the entire flight from several rows back. Does he like it? Is he frowning? Is he telling others in his row how wonderful my book is? Does he look bored? Will he recognize me from the author photo? When we got off the plane, I couldn’t find him. Just seeing a random stranger reading my book was a huge highlight for me.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
Harry Potter would be fun or something along the lines of James Bond or Jason Bourne.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Read every day and write something every day. Learn from great writers, but don’t try and mimic them. Be yourself. Stephen King said “we don’t get to decide if our work has commercial appeal.” In a way that was very liberating for me. Write the best book YOU can write. If you do, that is the reward.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
The Cayman Islands

What is your favorite Quote?
“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” John Wooden.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?
Ernest Hemingway, Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner, James Rollins, Greg Iles.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
“Keep your mouth shut and work harder than everyone else.” My first employer, my grandfather. Pretty apt life lesson.

How do you react to a bad review?
After I stop sobbing and get up from the fetal position, I look closely at the comments. Much as we’d like to think our books are for everyone, people have different tastes or are at different stages of their lives. I try to determine if they thought it was technically poor or if it was a storyline that they didn’t like. Many times it is just not the kind of book that person prefers. I had one gentleman give me a very average rating, but then he listed my book third in his top ten books of the year. You never know. I try to learn something from each review, positive or negative.

If you were a bird, which one would you be?
An eagle.

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?
To Kill a Mockingbird. I have an original first edition, just unsigned. Simply one of the greatest American novels. Harper Lee published one novel. Wow, what a doozy.

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
A new number for my cell phone.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
He gave it all he had.

What's your favorite season/weather?
Summer, I’m becoming allergic to cold weather.

Favorite places to travel?
Tropical islands

http://www.elijahscoin.com/

Elijah's Coin: A Lesson for Life by Steve O'Brien:

In every heart there exists the potential for good and for evil. The question is which we'll choose. Without the right principles and guidance, a traumatic experience can lead one down a barren path. If our view of the world is dark, then further experience will tend to reinforce that view, leading to more pessimism and fruitless or even destructive behavior. How does one break out of this cycle of negativity?

That question is at the heart of Elijah's Coin, a thoughtful fable about one young man's descent into a life of crime... until he discovers an unlikely mentor, who begins to teach him a new philosophy of life. It's a philosophy not so much of words as of deeds. The lessons, therefore, prove to be indirect and not fully understood until they are lived. The point is not to state what you believe but to become what you believe. In doing so, you will come to lead a fulfilling and prosperous life. You'll find that life is not about you but about others and that generosity is repaid in kind.

Elijah's Coin asks readers to reflect even as they are entertained by a fast-moving, suspenseful story. Ultimately, the book confronts the reader with the possibility — and the opportunity -- of inner change. Learn the message, then pay it forward.



Book Giveaway:
Open to US only
Ends 3/22

Author Intview: Suzanne Selfors author of Mad Love

Welcome to Author Suzanne Selfors:

Bio:

Suzanne Selfors lives on an island near Seattle where it rains all the time, which is why she tends to write about cloudy, moss-covered, green places.


She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.

Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.



Interview:

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
I'd love to see the future. I have great hopes for the human race getting its act together.

What is one book everyone should read?
It's called A Little History of the World, by E.H Gombrich.

If you were a superhero what would your name be?
Can Eat Anything She Wants and Doesn't Gain Weight Girl

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Coconut.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
Roald Dahl. He's my favorite writer and I'd love a chance to sit in his writing hut and talk shop.

Night owl, or early bird?
Early bird

One food you would never eat?
Haggis

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Because you'll be entertained.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I'm currently writing my 4th teen novel, which will be published in 2012, if I can ever finish the darn thing. And in May this year, my next middle grade book, Smells Like Treasure, comes out.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Meeting the readers. I just got a letter from a girl who'd read Mad Love and she said it really helped her because she's been living with a bi-polar parent. I met a little girl who had read my mermaid book three times and said it was her favorite. Those are the moments that make all the hard work and rejection priceless. It's an honor when someone invites your story into her life.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
I'd love to live in Narnia for a bit. Who wouldn't want to meet Prince Caspian?

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
Anything by Roald Dahl, especially Matilda. I was big into the Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart when I was a teen, and I also loved this trilogy called Gormenghast.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?Write the first novel for yourself. Don't worry about the market. Don't try to figure out what's trendy. Write what you love first and foremost and it will show on the page.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
London. I'm a total anglophile. I love all things BBC.

What is your favorite Quote?
All who wander are not lost.
I spent a lot of time wandering. I spent a lot of time dabbling in this and that. But in the end, it all adds up to a whopping lot of life experience.

Suzanne's website: http://www.suzanneselfors.com/



Click Below to enter Book Giveaway:
Nearly New Book Giveaway for Mad Love ends 3/18
My Review of Mad Love

NNB4Y: Book Giveaway: Foresight by Sherry D. Ficklin

Foresight by Sherry D. Ficklin:
All Grace Archer wants is to graduate from high school and get on with her life. But the Gods of Fate have other ideas. Attacked at graduation by a mysterious woman with gruesome henchmen, Grace is lucky to escape with her life. Rescued by a Fae warrior named Chris and her Aunt Phoenix, Grace learns that her mother was the Greek Goddess Pandora. Now Grace must protect her mother’s urn from the crazed demi-goddess Lilith, who is determined to unleash its horrors on an unsuspecting Earth. As if her blood legacy is not bizarre enough, Grace begins to develop frightening powers that threaten to destroy her from the inside out. Can Grace find the strength to defeat Lilith? Can she learn to control her powers before she loses her mind?


Giveaway Details:
Once read copy of Foresight by Sherry D. Ficklin
Open to US only
Ends 3/21

Blog Tour: Book Review: The Touch of the Master's Hand illustrated by Greg Newbold

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

I have long love the poem The Touch of the Master's Hand. I've read it many times and have even seen a short movie adaptation. I jumped when I had the chance to review this illustrated picture book version of the classic poem.

I loved this book.  Beautiful pictures bring the poem to life.  This picture book does not disappoint.  It teaches a great lesson and I'm excited to share this story with my children.



Rating: 5 Stars

Source: Review copy received through Mediaguests.

Giveaway Winners: The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz

Congratulations to the Winners of
The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz



The winners were selected using Random.org

Sarah YA Vampire Books
Michelle geekdgirl

Winners have been notified and will receive their book from the author. Thanks to all who entered.

Giveaway Winners: Son of Eden

Congratulations to the Winners of
Son of Eden



The winners were selected using Random.org

Kate Hensel
Lolawid
Indigo

Winners have been notified and will receive their book from the author. Thanks to all who entered.

Book Review: Recovery Road by Blake

From acclaimed author Blake Nelson, the story of girl meets boy...in rehab.


Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives. Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And Stewart's are only getting worse....

I'm surprised at how much I liked this book.  It's not the kind of book I usually enjoy.  I'm so unlike the characters in this book, I've never even had a drink in my life.  But this book was so well written and I could feel what the characters were going through and somehow relate to their struggles.  It was a fast paced page turner that I flew through and finished in less than 24 hours.

Due to the subject matter of this book there was language and sex but it wasn't over done and fit with the struggles the characters were going through.  When reading a book dealing with addiction and recovery it was subject matter that needed to be included to tell the story.

While this story wouldn't be for everyone due to some of the content I would recommend it to parents of teens and teenagers who are involved in the partying scene.

Recovery Road will be released on March 8, 2011


Content: Strong language, sex, alcohol, drugs

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: ARC Tour

Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski

In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.


But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems - only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.


Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients.

Another sweet story. This was a cute contemporary teenage read. Sheridan is known as "Cake Girl" because she makes beautiful cakes for her grandmother's bakery. A job offer for her dad, as the host of a new cooking show, means a move to New York and being forced to give up her cake making. Sheridan's mother abandoned her when she was a child and the only contact Sheridan has had is the birthday cards her mother sends each year. Sheridan is convinced that all her problems will be solved if she can just find her mother.

This book held my interest and I finished it in a day. I enjoyed both the characters and the storyline. This was a fun, feel good read with characters I could relate to. I liked the mix of romance/love triangle and family relationships. Although we didn't see a lot of him I really liked Sheridan's father and everyone needs a friend like Jack.

The Sweetest Thing will be released on May 10, 2011



Content: Fairly clean - a little bit of language

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: ARC Tour

Blog Tour: Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

Welcome to Author Bettina Restrepo.

Bio:

Bettina Restrepo is a writer. This means she basically sits around in pajamas making up lies. As glamorous as this may seem, she spends a lot of time researching, thinking, and talking to the dog about her characters, plots, and story lines.
She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Speech Communication. She married an Aggie. Together they have a son, Allen, (who will be an Aggie) and an English springer spaniel, Winston (who will not be an Aggie). When Bettina is not writing, or thinking about writing, she likes to exercise, go on walks, and read, read, read. She lives in Frisco, Texas…. which is basically Dallas.
Bettina has authored over 50 stories and articles. Her books include Moose and Magpie (Sylvan Dell 2009) and Illegal (Harper Collins 2011). Her forthcoming novel, Telenovela, will be out in 2012. She is currently writing a sequel to Telenovela and a zombie-inspired novel (which she thinks is Very Cool).
Bettina’s website is www.bettinarestrepo.com You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Interview:
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
The ability to be calm and level headed. I’m a bit high strung. If I couldn’t have that, I would like the power to rhyme really funny things at the drop of a hat.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Yes, any, in the largest bowl possible.

Night owl, or early bird?
Early Bird. 5:30 is up and at them.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world. Which would it be?
Does the IKEA catalog work? That looks like a very happy, organized place.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
Bridge to Teribithia

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Yes, I actually named a chapter after the song by Beck, “Que Onde Quiero” I would say it is the theme song for my setting.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Exactly where I am. Texas. I like here.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
A cashier at Kmart. I thought is was amazing they got to press all those buttons.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Cynthia Leitich Smith (author ), said, “Publish well, not fast.”

Favorite Candy?
Cherry Sours or Rolo caramels.

Nickname?
Tigger. I still have people in my life who think this is my only name.

How do you react to a bad review?
First, I stew. Then, I cry. Then I get mad and end up crying. Then, I tend to cry some more because I’m supposed to accept constructive criticism. I’m trying to be better about this because there is no crying in publishing.

What do you do in your free time?
When I’m not writing or Mommying, I love to exercise. Zumba is my absolute favorite, but I have added in Pilates too.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Coming early to carpool to talk to the other Moms.

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is....
The Book Thief By Markus Zusack.

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo:

Nora is on a desperate journey far away from home. When her father leaves their beloved Mexico in search of work, Nora fights to make sense of her loss while waiting for her father’s return and a better day. When the letters and money from her father stop coming, Nora decides that she and her mother must look for him in Texas. After a harrowing experience crossing the border, the two are all alone in a strange place called Houston. Now, Nora figures out how to survive while still aching for small comforts: friends, a new school, and a quinceañera to mark her fifteenth birthday.

Bettina Restrepo’s powerful and deeply hopeful debut novel captures the challenges of one girl’s unique yet universal immigrant experience.

http://www.bettinarestrepo.com/index.htm


Blog Tour Giveaway Details:
Win one of 5 Signed copies of Illegal by Bettina Restrepo
To enter giveaway just leave a comment answering this question:
Would you break the law to find your family across a foreign border? 
Leave your city, state or country along with your answer.
Open Internationally
Must be 13 or older to enter
The winners of the contest will be announced on Bettina's Facebook and Twitter on April 1, 2011 but the last day to leave a comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway is March 1st.